Aluminum radiators and rad support

[Rayzor]

I currently have a 22 inch opening for my rad. I am going to be buying a new aluminum type and would like to go to the larger 26 inch core if possible. What all is involved in making the radiator opening work with a 26 inch.

[squeakfinder]

What car are we talking about? I've had a couple of 2nd generation Chargers that I've put wider Radiator's in. The first one I butchered the radiator support to allow more air to flow threw. The second one I didn't do anything except drill different holes in the support for the wider radiator to bolt in. I don't think it made any difference with the opening cut a little wider. I think If it were me I would leave the support alone except for the extra holes you will need to drill, your only talking a couple of inches on each side.

You never know, you might want to go back to a stock radiator.

Have fun with the project. Larry.

[Rayzor]

The car is a 68 Charger and was a slant six car. But now has a 440. The stock radiator was only 2 core and I have doubts about it handling a fresh 60 over 440. Thanks for the tips. I may try just drilling the holes then for the 26inch core. Also, what should I do for a shroud for the cross flow type radiators?

[squeakfinder]

Is this a new aluminum radiator? If it is, does the company your buying it from have fan shrouds available? It would probably be easiest to get a shroud with it, if it will fit your car. Does the rad. have flanges/brackets to mount to your rad. support?

I'm not sure how well aluminum radiators cool. I've used stock radiators that fit mid to late 70's A and B body's that were two core. That had no problem cooling a big block 400.

[Runner]

if you are going to piut a cross flow aluminum radiator in the car, get a 27.5x19 inch radiator.  it will fith the 22" radiator suport perfect.

[Rayzor]

The radiators I was looking at were are a universal  type sold by summit. They have several size and mounting configs availble. But the only shroud I found was a piece of tin bent in a circle to sort of fit whatever. Not very effective by the looks. I was hoping to get somthing that worked as good as stock if possible. Hmm, late 70s B body radiator will fit? there is a 78 cordoba down at the wrecker with a 400. would that radiator work if rebuilt withn a new core? It has a shroud to and could probably be had for 20 bucks or so. Anyways, a 27.5 radiator will fit the 22 opening if its cross flow? Are the numbers for the core or overall width? Thanks

[Runner]

overall length. i had a 27.5 griffen in my roadrunner until there crappy expoxy let go. i now have a 27.5 summint.   best bang for they buck radiator.

[bill440rt]

I did 22" to 26" radiator conversions in both my '68 & '69 Chargers. The driver's side rad support baffles are the all same. I mounted the radiator to the left baffle, held it level, & marked the holes on the right baffle. I then used masking tape to mark a straight line on the right baffle, & cut the opening. I flanged the edge like stock, ground & filed it smooth, & painted it body color. Most people have never known the difference, it looks just like factory.
You will need about a 1/4" to 1/2" spacer at the upper right side mounting bolt, the radiator won't sit flat against the support. The spacer will keep you from bending or twisting the radiator, & hold it in straight.

I've heard there is even more modification needed to mount a cross-flow radiator in, & it doesn't look stock (I don't know if that's a concern for you). I went with a Griffin down-flow 26" aluminum radiator on my '69, the '68 has a stock original one. The Griffin looks almost exactly like stock, & even mounted a '70-style black plastic shroud on it. It fit perfect.